While rejecting the approval, lawmakers took a swipe at the presidency, saying the sum could not be released without its approval.

Speaking with Vanguard Wednesday, Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Ben Murray- Bruce, PDP, Bayelsa East said that the presidency cannot spend such amount of money until the National Assembly approves it.

Senator Bruce said, “it has not been approved, it is simply the choice of words, the presidency or the executive cannot spend a single kobo on such a mission unless the National Assembly approves that. It is only when the Senate or the National Assembly approves that, that the executive can go ahead to spend such money. The executive can only recommend and not to approve.”